John McDermott feels he has finally arrived on the British heavyweight scene despite his controversial points defeat to champion Danny Williams in Dagenham on Friday. The former St Pancras amateur star seemed set to cause one of the biggest upsets in yea

John McDermott feels he has finally arrived on the British heavyweight scene despite his controversial points defeat to champion Danny Williams in Dagenham on Friday.

The former St Pancras amateur star seemed set to cause one of the biggest upsets in years when, with the fight apparently in the balance, Williams was docked two points in the 11th round and one in the 12th.

That appeared to hand victory to 28-year-old McDermott but the judges had other ideas. Williams, 35, was awarded a majority decision that left him looking as surprised as many watching.

"I thought I'd won," said a shell-shocked McDermott. "I got a sore rib and thought I'd broken it in the third round.

"I just gritted my teeth. I showed a warrior's heart. This is the first day I've shown myself as a real champion."

After a quiet start, Williams looked to be taking control with his heavier shots before the momentum shifted in the fifth round.

A McDermott uppercut caught Williams flush on the chin and the man who once beat Mike Tyson had to cling on desperately to get through the remaining two minutes of the round.

It appeared that Williams had seen off the real danger and was edging towards victory when referee Dave Parris stepped in.

Parris docked the champion three separate points in the last two rounds - for a low blow, pushing away McDermott and then spitting out his gumshield.

However, that was not enough to stop the judges giving Williams a 114-113, 114-111, 113-113 win.

McDermott's manager Frank Maloney, who also promoted the show, is this week demanding that the British Boxing Board of Control order an immediate rematch.

"I believe it is one of the worst decisions I have witnessed since I started promoting more than 25 years ago, and I've seen some bad ones," he said.

"I'm not saying McDermott was a clear winner, but the fifth round was 10-8 and the three points taken away from Williams swung the fight his way. I have watched the contest five times without the influence of the commentary, and after the deductions McDermott is the winner. There can be no doubt.

"I will be asking the British Boxing Board to order an immediate rematch. If they don't questions have to be asked.